TAMPA, Fla. – On Monday night, Steven Stamkos received a heartfelt reception upon his return to Tampa Bay, this time as a player for the Nashville Predators.

Drafted first overall by the Lightning in the 2008 NHL draft, Stamkos dedicated the first 16 years of his career to Tampa Bay. Recently, he transitioned to Nashville, securing a four-year deal worth $32 million during free agency.

During his tenure with Tampa Bay, Stamkos accomplished significant milestones, including winning the Stanley Cup twice. He was appointed team captain in 2014 and holds the franchise records for total points (1,137), goals (555), and games played (1,082).

At the first media timeout of the game, occurring 6:07 into the match, the Lightning honored Stamkos. They displayed a video montage celebrating his career, highlighting memorable moments such as lifting the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.

Following the video tribute, Stamkos took a lap around the rink, acknowledging the exhilarating standing ovation from the sold-out crowd of 19,092 fans.

“He came here as an 18-year-old, with the weight of his everything on his shoulders — and in the end, he delivered,” remarked Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who began his coaching role on March 25, 2013, during Stamkos’ fifth year with the team. “He did everything we asked of him for many, many years.”

As he starts in his new role, Stamkos has had a quiet beginning with the Predators, recording just one goal and no assists across his first eight games.

Experiencing the arena he once called home as an opponent was an unusual situation for Stamkos.

“It’s not something that you really know, I think, until you go through it,” he reflected after the morning skate. “Obviously, the excitement level is high to be back in the city and in this building where there have been so many amazing memories for a really long time.”